On Wednesday, the 20th of September, our Federal MP, Kylea Tink is hosting a panel discussion with Professor Graeme Samuel AC and Professor Martine Maron from the University of Queensland to discuss the upcoming (Federal) Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act) reforms.

The EPBC Act is a legal framework that puts in place rules and regulations that are supposed to protect our precious places, animals and environments.

It names things that need particular protection – like endangered species, important habitats and culturally significant landscapes. Any new project that could impact these need to be assessed under the law and approved by the Federal Environment Minister. Right now, that’s the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP.

But it hasn’t been working and many species are currently threatened and on the verge of extinction from mining developments, climate change, invasive species, deforestation and more. We are now at a critical juncture where what we do from here will make or break our environment.

As part of the latest 10-yearly review of the EPBC Act, Professor Samuels handed down a landmark report that charted future reforms that aim to protect our natural wonders better and ward off these threats and we are now eagerly awaiting action from our current government.

At the Forum you will hear directly from Prof. Samuels and Prof. Maron on their insights into the EPBC Act, why it’s currently failing, why they believe it needs to be changed for the better and what we should be particularly vigilante to as the government starts to share it’s initial thinking for reform.

Doors open at 6:00pm for a 6:30pm start, Wed. 2o September 2023

Location: Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbourview Cres 11 Harbourview Cres, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia

Tickets available here:  Free but tickets available here